Mercury Sensor Module KY-017

The KY-017 Mercury Tilt Sensor Module is a compact, reliable, and easy-to-use switch module designed for orientation and tilt detection in Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and other microcontroller projects. Ideal for electronics engineers, makers, and hobbyists, this module provides a simple digital on/off signal whenever its internal mercury switch changes state due to tilt.
Note: This module detects tilt via a mercury switch. It does not measure mercury concentration or environmental mercury levels.

How It Works 🧭

Inside the sensor is a sealed glass bulb with a small amount of mercury. When the module is tilted beyond a threshold angle, the mercury flows and either closes or opens the circuit, producing a clear digital signal suitable for microcontroller inputs.

Key Features ⚙️

• Simple digital output: Clean on/off signal for easy logic-level interfacing.
• Easy integration: Works with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, and most 3.3 V–5 V microcontrollers.
• High reliability: Stable switching with minimal chatter compared to some mechanical tilt switches.
• Compact module: Small footprint for tight enclosures and portable projects.
• Built-in conditioning: On-board components simplify wiring and improve signal quality.

Technical Specifications 📊

• Operating Voltage: 5 V DC (typ.); compatible with 3.3 V–5 V logic systems
• Interface Type: Digital (on/off tilt switch output)
• Operating Temperature: -10°C to +50°C
• Dimensions: Approx. 30 mm × 20 mm × 15 mm

Pinout 🧩

• S (Signal): Digital output to a microcontroller GPIO
• + (VCC): 5 V supply
• - (GND): Ground

Typical Applications 🚀

• Orientation detection for enclosures, panels, and handheld devices
• Motion/tilt alarms and anti-tamper switches
• Limit/tilt triggers in robotics and mechatronics
• Learning projects for teaching digital sensors with Arduino and Raspberry Pi

Integration Tips 🔌

• Connect VCC to 5 V, GND to ground, and Signal to a digital input pin.
• Enable an internal or external pull-up/pull-down as required by your microcontroller and module variant.
• Debounce in software if needed, depending on your application’s sensitivity to quick state changes.

Safety & Handling ⚠️

• This module contains a mercury tilt switch. Avoid impact or breakage.
• Dispose of damaged units according to local hazardous waste regulations.
• Not recommended for environments with high vibration or shock where continuous chattering may occur.

Enhance your electronics projects with a dependable, plug-and-play tilt detection module—perfect for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and microcontroller-based systems requiring simple and robust orientation sensing.